Cigarettes stolen after three men break in

Robbers kicked in the doors of a Malmesbury newsagents in the early hours of Monday morning, sparking a police witness appeal.

CCTV footage shows three men kicking the door of Abbey News until it opened and, once inside, forced the cigarette shutters up on a unit behind the till.

It appears they used bin liners to take the cigarettes out of the shop after taking most of them from the stand.

Diane Howarth, who has managed the shop for 18 months, said: “We have had a break in and the target was tobacco products. The police are dealing with it and everyone is being helpful and supportive.

“Nothing like this has happened while I’ve been here; it’s not a pleasant experience.”

Two of the males are described as being of average height and build and the third is described as over 6ft and slim.

All three were in loose black clothing and were wearing hoods, hats or balaclavas to disguise their faces.

The incident took place at about 3.20am at Abbey News, Market Cross.

Anyone who may have information on the men, or any vehicle seen in the area between 2.30am and 3.40am on Monday is asked to contact Det Cons Nicola Levitt at Melksham CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.